Irvine, CA – The Irvine Police Department (IPD) will be participating in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day this Saturday, September 26, 2015, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The drop-off site will be hosted by Kaiser Permanente – Irvine Medical Center at 6670 Alton Parkway, near the Alton/Sand Canyon Medical Office Building #1. Community members may drive up and drop off their medications free and anonymously during those hours.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

IPD urges residents to bring expired or unneeded medicines to the collection site, eliminating the potential for diversion, misuse, abuse or accidental poisoning. Additionally, the improper disposal of medications, such as flushing them down a toilet or throwing them in the trash, pose public safety, health and environmental hazards.

Additional information regarding the DEA’s national campaign, including other local collection sites, is available at:
http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html

Since its incorporation in 1971, Irvine has become a nationally recognized city, with a population of 250,384, spans 66 square miles and is recognized as one of America’s safest and most successful master-planned urban communities. Top-rated educational institutions, an enterprising business atmosphere, sound environmental stewardship, and respect for diversity all contribute to Irvine’s enviable quality of life. This family-friendly city features more than 16,000 acres of parks, sports fields and dedicated open space and is the home of the Orange County Great Park – the first great metropolitan park of the 21st century. For more information, please visit cityofirvine.org.